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Home My WebLink About20203215.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE RESTORATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF OUTDOOR RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (RESTORE) GRANT APPLICATION FOR WELD COUNTY GRASSLAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with a Restoration and Stewardship of Outdoor Resources and the Environment (RESTORE) Grant Application for the Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program for eradicating Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress, and cheatgrass, and for seeding degraded lands with native grassland species, from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Public Works, to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), commencing April 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2023, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Restoration and Stewardship of Outdoor Resources and the Environment (RESTORE) Grant Application for the Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program for eradicating Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress, and cheatgrass, and for seeding degraded lands with native grassland species, from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Public Works, to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that Tina Booton, Department of Public Works, be, and hereby is, authorized to submit said application electronically. cc : pW(Sr tr-s),r-1cT(8c%D) 11/04/20 2020-3215 EG0078 RESTORATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF OUTDOOR RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (RESTORE) GRANT APPLICATION FOR WELD COUNTY GRASSLAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM PAGE 2 The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 28th day of October, A.D., 2020. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: day,A) o;(1 Weld County Clerk to the Board BY: Deputy Clerk to the Board APP: _ ED A County A ttorney Date of signature: J I /O./2O Mike Freeman, Chair 7)-4,„ Steve oreno, Pro -Tern Kevin D. Ross 2020-3215 EG0078 MEMORANDUM TO: Clerk to the Board DATE: October 23, 2020 FROM: Tina Booton, Public Work-e/Vl- Jay McDonald, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Agenda Item This request is to apply for a ReStORE Grant (Restoration and Stewardship of Outdoor Resources and the Environment). The Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program will enhance the norther grassland in Weld County through noxious weed treatments and seeding. The funds will be used on private, state and federal lands. Grant partners including the Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado State Land Board, West Greeley Conservation District and CDOT. We are asking for $155,000.00 Weld County's in -kind match is $39,800.00. The partners in -kind match is $59,250.00. The total local match is $99,050.00. This grant application is for lands in Northern Weld County. The noxious weed species that will be addressed include Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress and cheatgrass on 15,000 acres through a cost - share program with landowners and managers. This project will also incorporate seeding of grasses, forbs and shrubs on 200 acres of degraded lands. Please add this item to the agenda for Wednesday, October 28, 2020. 2020-3215 aG©O-7 S' BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PASS -AROUND REVIEW/ WORK SESSION REQUEST RE: ReStORE Grant (Restoration and Stewardship of Outdoor Resources and the Environment) DEPARTMENT: Public orWeed Division DATE: October 12, 2020 PERSON REQUESTING: Tina I3ooton, Weed Division Supervisor Brief description of the problem/issue: The ReStORE grant opportunity is in its pilot year in Colorado. The partners (GOCO, DOW, Gates Foundation, CWCB, DNT and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)) have pulled $3.5 million dollars for grant projects. These largescale projects are to address restoration activities and wildlife habitat through working across boundaries. One of their key focus areas is on Eastern Colorado grasslands. Their goal is to fund 6-12 projects. The minimum request is $100,000; match is not required, but it is helpful. Grant implementation is 1-3 years. Deadline to apply is October 29, 2020 through the NFWF Easygrants website. The proposed project covers all Northern Weld County, from Highway 14 north to each of the other three county borders. Targeted noxious weed species include cheatgrass, Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle and Scotch thistle. Work will be carried out on private lands, State lands and USFSPNG. These would also be our partners in addition to West Greeley Conservation District and CDOT. I'm proposing to ask for $150,000. The funds would be split in the following ways: $40,000 for aerial chemical treatments, $60,000 for ground chemical treatments and $50,000 for seeding degraded lands. These three areas would be the landowner's responsibility to contract out. There are several local contractors available to handle these needs over the proposed 3 -year project. Any match that is included would be from the normal work that the Weed Division does each year for roadside spraying, educational pieces, and working with our partners. A small amount of match (up to 20%) will come from landowners carrying out the chemical treatments along with CDOT funds for treating Hwy 85, Hwy 14 and Hwy 71 in the project area. The USFS-PNG will also have some staff time included in the in -kind match. What options exist for the Board? (Include consequences, impacts, costs, etc. of options) 1. Allow a grant application for the ReStORE grant to be submitted. 2. Do not apply for the grant opportunity Recommendation: 1. Allow a grant application for the ReStORE grant to be submitted. Approve Recommendation Work Session Schedule Mike Freeman, Chair Scott K. James Barbara Kirkmeyer Steve Moreno, Pro-Tem Kevin D. Ross Other/Comments: ao w110 y4. 4�r 4 p J zN 0 .„„ 4, EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Title of Project Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Total Amount Requested Matching Contributions Proposed Proposed Grant Period Grant Information $ 155,000.00 $90,050.00 04/01/ 2021 - 06/30/ 2023 Project Description The Weld County Grassland Enhancement program will work to restore 15,000 acres of private, state and federal native grassland in northern Weld County scattered over 380,000 acres. This restoration piece will work towards eradicating Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress and cheatgrass with timely herbicide application treatments. Additionally, 200 degraded acres will be seeded with native grassland species including grasses, forbs and shrubs. The educational component will focus on bringing awareness to local grazing practices and making a shift toward utilizing a holistic approach to managing the movement of livestock that call the grasslands home. Project Abstract Restoring native grassland habitat is important for pollinators, songbirds, upland game birds and mule deer. This project will restore 15,000 acres of native grassland in northern Weld County by working to eradicate Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress and cheatgrass with timely herbicide applications to enhance wildlife habitat. Additionally 200 degraded acres will be seeded with native grassland species; grasses, forbs and shrubs. In addition to the physical work to restore the grasslands and protect the existing ecosystem an educational program will be implemented. The educational program includes social media posts on Facebook along with news articles in local newspapers and newsletters. There will also be an extensive one on one educational program with private landowners. The educational focus of these meetings will be on the value of native vegetation, and how to create wildlife habitat. These meetings will also identify any noxious weeds that landowners are dealing with including their impacts and how to control the identified species. If the landowner is grazing livestock educational materials will also be provided that discuss better grazing techniques and encourages their implementation. The partners for this project include Weld County, USFS Pawnee National Grassland, CDOT, Colorado State Land Board and WGCD. Most of these partnerships have been in existence for over ten years. Organization and Primary Contact Information Organization Organization Type City, State, Country Region (if international) Primary Contact Position/Title Phone and E-mail Weld County Weed Division State or Local Government Greeley,Colorado,North America - United States Tina Booton Weed Division Supervisor 970-304-6496 x 3770; tbooton@co.weld.co.us 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 1 of 17 eNV W 1143, N J C 6 = C C �b41 {' a0`Y EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Additional Contacts Role Name 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 2 of 17 p 4 N G,bN ♦f NO`YC Project Location Information Project Location Description Project Country(ies) Project State(s) Project Congressional District(s) EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation— RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division The Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program encompasses the northern half of Weld County, Colorado. Ownership is divided into private, state and federal ownership. This project will partially take place on the United States Forest Service Pawnee National Grassland that is within the boundaries. North America - United States Colorado District 4 (CO) Permits and Approvals Permits/Approvals Description: Permits/Approvals Status: Permits/Approvals Agency -Contact Person: Permits/Approvals Submittal -Approval Date: 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 3 of 17 COIN EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Activities and Outcomes Funding Strategy: Habitat Restoration Metric: Restore CO - Grasslands - Land restoration - Acres restored on private land Required: Recommended Description: Enter the number of acres restored on private lands Starting Value Target value 4500.00 Acres restored on private land 11100.00 Acres restored on private land Note: The goal on private lands is a combination of noxious weed removal, seeding and grazing modification , as applicable, to enhance the existing plant community. Funding Strategy: Habitat Restoration Metric: Restore CO - Grasslands - Land restoration - Acres restored on public land Required: Recommended Description: Enter the number of acres restored on public lands Starting Value Target value 150.00 Acres restored on public land 4100.00 Acres restored on public land Note: The goal on public lands, both federal and state, is a combination of noxious weed removal, seeding and addressing overall ecosystem health to improve the productiveness of these lands. Funding Strategy: Planning, Research, Monitoring Metric: Restore CO - Monitoring - # sites being monitored Required: Recommended Description: Enter the # sites being monitored Starting Value Target value 200.00 # sites being monitored 425.00 # sites being monitored Note: A number of USFS-Pawnee National Grassland, State lands and private lands are already being monitored. Through this project we will increase this number and have a better tracking system to understand the changes that are taking place. 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 4 of 17 EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Staff Name Position Annual Salary Project Hours Hourly Rate LOE (%) Project Salary % Fringe $ Fringe Total Personnel Totals $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Domestic Airfare — Per Flight Purpose/Destination Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal International Airfare — Per Flight $0.00 Purpose/Destination Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal Train — Per Ticket $0.00 Purpose/Destination Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 5 of 17 Version 1.1 $0.00 4wIto 0 1 NiFvvF 46. a0`YO Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Rental Car — Per Day EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Purpose/Destination Days/Duration Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal Taxis — Per Trip $0.00 Purpose/Destination Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal Mileage — Per Mile $0.00 Purpose/Destination Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal Gasoline — Per Gallon $0.00 Purpose/Destination Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal Per Diem (M&IE) — Per Day $0.00 Purpose/Destination Days/Duration Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 6 of 17 Version 1.1 $0.00 0 % k NFWF Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Lodging — Per Night EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Purpose/Destination Days/Duration Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal Meals (no M&IE) — Per Meal $0.00 Purpose/Destination Days/Duration Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost SubTotal $0.00 Item Name Description Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost Type Purpose Unit of Measure Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost Herbicide and Commercial labor Treat noxious weeds per acre $8.00 7500 $60,000.00 Aerial herbicide treatment Treat noxious weeds per acre $10.00 4000 $40,000.00 Seeding Restore degraded grasslands per acre $260.00 200 $52,000.00 Educational Signage Provide educational opportunities to local visitor each $1,000.00 3 $3,000.00 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 7 of 17 Version 1.1 EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division NTRACTUAL SERVICE' Subcontract/Contract — Per Agreement so.00 Contractor Name Description Total Cost SubTotal Subgrant — Per Agreement $0.00 Subrecipient Description Total Cost SubTotal $0.00 ITHER DIRECT COSTS Type Purpose Unit of Measure Unit Cost Quantity Total Cost VIII. INDIRECT COSTS Explanation of Modified Total Direct Cost Base(MTDC) Rate Type NICRA Expiration $MTDC Rate(%) Total Cost 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 8 of 17 Version 1.1 N� wtlo� NIFWF 4. C ZO YO Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 9 of 17 EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Budget Narrative Budget Narrative: 1. Personnel Personnel - 2. Travel Domestic Airfare - Per Flight - International Airfare - Per Flight - Train - Per Ticket - Rental Car - Per Day - Taxis - Per Trip - Mileage - Per Mile - Gasoline - Per Gallon - Per Diem (M&IE) - Per Day - Lodging - Per Night - Meals (No M&IE) - Per Meal - 3. Equipment 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 10 of 17 EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Equipment - 4. Materials and Supplies Materials and Supplies - 5. Contractual Services Subcontract/Contract - Per Agreement - Subgrant - Per Agreement - 6. Other Direct Costs Other Direct Costs - 7. Indirect Costs Indirect Costs - 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 11 of 17 Version 1.1 EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 12 of 17 NO WIL y,0P `ter o -I C 2 i Ci ,o.. EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Matching Contributions Matching Contribution Amount: $34,800.00 Type: In -kind Status: Pledged Source: Weld County Source Type: Non -Federal Description: Staff time and equipment to carry out the duties of this grant project. Staff hours at $24/hour x 1000 hours and vehicle at $12/hour x 900 hours. Matching Contribution Amount: $5,000.00 Type: In -kind Status: Pledged Source: Weld County Source Type: Non -Federal Description: Supervisors time to over see entire grant project, training and implementation. 100 hours x $50/hour Matching Contribution Amount: $3,000.00 Type: In -kind Status: Pledged Source: West Greeley Conservation District Source Type: Non -Federal Description: Staff time to coordinate seeding efforts, plans and seed ordering. $60 hours x $50/hour Matching Contribution Amount: $1,250.00 Type: In -kind Status: Pledged Source: Colorado State Land Board Source Type: Non -Federal Description: Time to monitor their sites and provide some direction to the grant project. 25 hours x $50/hour 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 13 of 17 Version 1.1 y�Poo W'Co`2F 0, P N J CNv EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation —RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Matching Contribution Amount: $3,500.00 Type: Cash Status: Pledged Source: Colorado Department of Transportation Source Type: Non -Federal Description: Funding to treat Hwy 85, Hwy 14 and Hwy 71 in the project area for Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress and cheatgrass. Matching Contribution Amount: $2,500.00 Type: In -kind Status: Pledged Source: USFS - Pawnee National Grassland Source Type: Federal Description: Staff time to monitor and provide direction in the grant project. 50 hours x $50/hour Matching Contribution Amount: $15,000.00 Type: Cash Status: Pledged Source: Landowners Source Type: Non -Federal Description: Cash matching portion to the cost -share funds supplied in the project. Matching Contribution Amount: $25,000.00 Type: Cash Status: Received Source: USFS Pawnee National Grassland Source Type: Federal Description: Funds to cover a seasonal laborer to treat noxious weeds on the Pawnee National Grassland. 1133 15th Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 14 of 17 Version 1.1 y�f WILD, o J G ZO'y 44 rip 4` �O`0 EasyGrantslD: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division Total Amount of Matching Contributions: $90,050.00 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 15 of 17 h�00 W11,O44.O 4 p J C EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation — RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 16 of 17 EasyGrantsID: 71037 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation— RESTORE Colorado 2021, Full Proposal Title: Weld County Grassland Enhancement Program Organization: Weld County Weed Division The following pages contain the uploaded documents, in the order shown below, as provided by the applicant: Upload Type File Name Uploaded By Uploaded Date Statement of Litigation statement of litigation 2020.doc Booton, Tina 10/23/2020 Board of Trustees, Directors, or equivalent County Commisisoners.doc Booton, Tina 10/23/2020 The following uploads do not have the same headers and footers as the previous sections of this document in order to preserve the integrity of the actual files uploaded. 1133 15th Street, NW Version 1.1 Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 Page 17 of 17 Statement of Litigation Instructions: Save this document on your computer and complete. The final narrative should not exceed two (2) pages; do not delete the text provided below. Once complete, upload this document into the on-line application as instructed. Litigation: In the space provided below, state any litigation (including bankruptcies) involving your organization and either a federal, state, or local government agency as parties. This includes anticipated litigation, pending litigation, or litigation completed within the past twelve months. Federal, state, and local government applicants are not required to complete this section. If your organization is not involved in any litigation, please state below. Weld County government is not involved in any litigation. O 0 WIL0p A 4' 1404 14 Full Proposal Project Narrative Instructions: Save this document on your computer and complete the narrative in the format provided. The final narrative should not exceed six (6) pages; do not delete the text provided below. Once complete, upload this document into the on-line application as instructed. 1. Activities: Elaborate on the primary activities that will be employed through the grant. Explain how these activities are expected to lead to the outcome(s). Describe how these activities relate to established plans (management, conservation, recovery, etc.) and priority conservation needs in the specific project location. The grassland in Northern Weld County are considered the shortgrass steppe prairie. Grasslands globally are considered the most threatened ecosystem in the world. Many sources also consider the shortgrass prairie the most threatened prairie and ecosystem in North America. The importance of grasslands lies not only in the vast area they cover of eastern Colorado but also in the specific habitat they provide for wildlife such as grassland bird species. Grassland birds are part of the fastest decreasing group of animals in North America. Grassland birds that call the shortgrass steppe their home, wintering grounds, breeding grounds, or part of their migratory routes add to this decrease as Colorado's largest category of declining animals. The degradation of this specific habitat for grassland bird species by noxious weed invasions further contributes to their regional and national declining rates. Specifically, meadowlark and burrowing owl populations are declining due to grassland degradation and conversion to other uses. Bird diversity and abundance are key indicators of the condition of their habitats. To help recover these species populations it is important to protect habitat loss from invasive plant species. The biggest threat to wildlife is loss of habitat due to increased wildfire and conversion of diverse native plant communities to monocultures of non-native, invasive species. These changes impact the birds, as well as native pollinators, small mammals, and deer. According to the Mule Deer Foundation, cheatgrass (one specific noxious weed) is the number one threat to mule deer habitat. This annual grass species changes an eco-system once it becomes established by consuming the spring moisture, depleting critical soil nutrients, crowding and outcompeting native plant species, and impacting the abundance and diversity of soil micro-organisms. Furthermore, it increases fire frequency intervals to every five to fifteen years versus the historical fire regime of every 30 to 100 years. The increased fire frequency impacts the native grasses, forbs, and shrubs that struggle to succeed in an escalated fire occurrence ecosystem. Working on the issues non-native species cause in local eco-systems, the Colorado State Noxious Weed Act C.R.S. 35-5.5-101 and Weld County Code Chapter 15 require certain species to be addressed. Of those species, some have been designated for eradication in Weld County. These include Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle and hoary cress. The devastation and degradation to the landscape is well documented as these species have and continue to displace native vegetation resulting in a direct impact to wildlife habitat and forage requirements for future sustainability of their populations. This project will aid Weld County and their partners in reaching the eradication thresholds for these noxious weed species. Although cheatgrass is on the C list for noxious weed species and has not been set for eradication by the State of Colorado, this project will reduce the distribution and density of cheatgrass infestations. Cheatgrass has been expanding exponentially throughout the northern grassland portion of Weld County over the last five years. Consequently, we need to preserve the grassland biodiversity that we have, while also preventing further loss of native vegetation, birds, pollinators, and wildlife populations that call this grassland home. Therefore, this project will be implemented on private, state and federal lands. The first primary activities that will be implemented are herbicide applications utilizing ground and aerial techniques to address the listed noxious weeds including cheatgrass. The implementation of herbicide treatments will be applied to over 15,000 acres which will help promote native grasses, forbs, and shrubs while also reducing the distribution and establishment of noxious weeds and cheatgrass infestations. As a result of the increased biodiversity with the reduction of non-native plant species across the grassland, the wildlife, bird, and pollinator habitats will improve and flourish once more. Current grassland wildlife species include mule deer, antelope, swift fox, grassland grouse, mountain plover, burrowing owls, songbirds and a wide range of native pollinators. Ground applications using herbicides will allow participants to treat the targeted noxious weeds in more sensitive locations. Specifically, sites that are in close proximity to trees, ephemeral streams, and on small acreage locations where non targeted species could be hindered by herbicide treatments. Aerial herbicide applications will be used on larger properties where acres of infestations are inhabited, as well as sites that are difficult to reach by ground equipment due to topography constraints and travel concerns. The herbicides that will be used to address these species include Rejuvra, Tordon 22K, Telar XP, Plateau and Milestone. These products have proven the most effective in addressing cheatgrass, Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle and hoary cress. Additionally, these products have been tested to show little to no effect on native perennial grasses, forbs, shrubs and tree species. These herbicide products and their applications will allow for the greatest heterogeneity of plant and wildlife species to continue to flourish and establish among the grassland ecosystem. Current research has shown that once these noxious weeds have been suppressed or eradicated, native plants are able to re-establish from existing plant remains. If natural establishment is not observed, re -seeding applications with native species will be implemented. The ground herbicide treatments will be covered on a cost -share basis of 80% up to $850 per landowner per calendar year. This will allow us to treat approximately 12,000 acres of noxious weeds during the project. A total of $60,000 is being dedicated to this part of the project. The aerial treatments will be on a cost -share basis as well. These funds will be distributed at 80% up to $3500 per landowner. This will allow the project to treat upwards of 3,000 acres of noxious weeds, and a total of $40,000 is being dedicated to this portion of the project. 50% of the herbicide treatments will be carried out in the first year, and the remaining funds being spent on the second year to continue making progress on the eradication of the noxious weed species. Both activities will greatly reduce the acres infested with noxious weeds. The dollars proposed for these activities will allow more landowners to participate than have been able to with past grant funded projects. The United States Forest Service Pawnee National Grassland is planning to treat around 50 acres of noxious weeds in addition to a minimum of 50 acres of cheatgrass while inspecting over 4200 acres with one seasonal employee contracted through Weld County. The third activity that will be implemented is re -seeding of degraded lands. This will further the effort of enhancing the grasslands in Northern Weld County and provide increased wildlife habitat. Some of the lands in the project area have been over utilized by large ungulates, have expired CRP contracts, or have struggled over the years due to drought conditions. This project will provide the funding to seed 200 acres with native grasses, forbs and shrubs. The total expected cost for this activity, including seed and labor, is $52,000 or $260.00 per acre. The grant project will cover this cost at 100% to ensure the lands that need the assistance are addressed regardless of ownership; private, state or federal. Having a strong native vegetation that can withstand the extreme variability in this semi -arid climate will help reduce new noxious weed infestations, limit future herbicide treatment applications, improve soil health and stability, and maintain critical riparian ecosystems. The addition of forb and shrub populations will also help increase pollinator habitat, and essential feed sources. From December 2021 through May 1 of 2022 the first year, at least 65% of the seeding will be completed. Any leftover seeding funds will be used during the second year of the project. The fourth activity will be providing landowners education on grazing practices and grassland ecosystem management. Livestock grazing is an essential ecosystem service that many small ranching communities depend on across the project area. Moreover, additional educational practices are critical to ensure these rangelands are meeting sustainability goals for future generations to thrive from these ecosystem services. Implementing applied science methodologies mixed with generational local ranching knowledge will allow for these outcomes to come to fruition. This task will be accomplished with educational newsletter articles, social media outreaches and posts, a virtual educational seminar, and one-on-one meetings and evaluations with private landowners. The information presented in these outlets will be compiled from Colorado State University Cooperative Extension sources, NRCS, West Greeley Conservation District, and other local experts. Weld County staff will lead this operation including organization, distribution and coordination. During on -site visits, a small Unmanned Aircraft System will be providing landowners with an aerial view of their property, which will aid in the decision -making process for proper rangeland ecosystem management. A fifth activity for this project will be installing three interpretive signs about the effect noxious weeds have on the grassland with some plant identification components at: Bakers Draw, Crow Valley Campground, and Pawnee Buttes Trail Head. These signs will highlight the struggles and impacts that noxious weeds have on the local ecosystem with the reduction in survival of native plants, pollinators, birds and wildlife. The goal of these signs is to increase the understanding public visitors have to the grassland and how interlaced all parts of the ecosystem are to its overall health and functioning. There are approximately 5500 visitors annually to these three locations. Ideally, after reading the signs, visitors will help report noxious weed sightings to allow staff to treat new infestations in a timely manner. Each sign including construction materials, boot cleaning brush system and printing costs will run $1000.00. This activity will total $3000.00. The signs have a five (5) year life expectancy. 2. Outcome(s): Elaborate on the outcome(s) summarized previously in the application; discuss what makes this outcome(s) achievable and important. All partners in the project area will be using a collaborative approach to address the entire landscape across jurisdictional boundaries in order to reach the desired outcome of reducing noxious weed infestations and creating a more resilient native ecosystem with enhanced wildlife habitat. Dating back to 2002, specific attempts have been made on individual noxious weed species to improve eradication efforts; however, this will be the first project that focuses on all priority species (Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle and cheatgrass) along with seeding and providing a holistic complete control project across all land ownerships to improve the grassland ecosystem. Since 2014, Weld County has been building momentum working with each landowner (private, state and federal) in the project area to be able to quickly implement this project once funded. The primary goal of this project is to treat 15,000 acres that have noxious weed infestations. The eradication and reduction of these noxious weed species will fulfill Federal, State and County requirements as well as improve the grassland environment. Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle and cheatgrass species have not yet formed monocultures across the grasslands; hence the timing and implementation of this project is so critical. Infestations are scattered throughout Northern Weld County making treatments more time consuming due to increased travel and application treatment times. Having additional funds will allow the partners to continue the effort to improve grassland health and resiliency that landowners and land managers have been consistently working to achieve over the past twenty years. Decreasing noxious weed infestations and increasing native vegetation will provide a healthier ecosystem for wildlife to flourish while also promoting sustainability for future generations to enjoy it's wonders. The United States Forest Service has been conducting several wildlife surveys including swift fox night surveys, a variety of different bird surveys, and prairie dog surveys over the last few decades. This historical data will be cross- referenced with future survey results to help determine the impacts that this project has on creating wildlife habitat and increasing population numbers. Utilizing a cross analysis approach, we will be able to detect and implement further projects to help ensure our wildlife and key plant community numbers are reaching predetermined outlined goals. In areas where numbers are not exceeding expectations, future management decisions will be altered to enhance conditions. 3. Tracking Metrics: Indicate how the project will monitor/assess progress on the metrics selected previously in the application. Please note any challenges or limitations anticipated with tracking the metrics. Monitoring will be conducted by Weld County and Pawnee National Grassland staff employees. Staff will use iPads with the Collector software application to map and take GPS points of sites treated and seeded within the project area. GPS linked photo points will be taken for continued long-term monitoring and tracking to determine the effectiveness of the project outcomes. Additional long-term monitoring will be conducted using cover -frequency and rooted nested frequency transects. These monitoring methods will allow us to determine the changes in vegetation composition cover over a longer time period. Short-term monitoring will be conducted by using forage clipping procedures to determine seasonal forage growth in pounds per acre. This practice will inform us of vegetation product metrics for the growing season after an herbicide treatment has taken place. In areas where "key sites" have been established, additional short and long-term monitoring will be conducted. A common challenge that many weed control or eradication programs and projects face are the constantly evolving and ever -shifting infestations themselves. For example, one infestation can be reduced or even eradicated in a specific area, and then a new one will establish "down the road" due to anemochory (wind),zoochory (animal), hydrochory (water), abscission (gravity), ballochory (ballistic), and anthropogenic causes of seed dispersal. There is also the need to deplete seed reserve in the soil bank. This can take time depending on how long the seeds are viable in the soil. Therefore, there is a need for consistent effort to address these challenges. One of the uncontrollable challenges and limitations we face is the variable climate and moisture conditions across the grassland. The short grass steppe typically loses much of its moisture during the summer months. However, some areas may experience heavy downpours, while others experience hail and even tornado like conditions. Winter months tend to be characterized with moderate snow accumulations that are often drifted by heavier wind conditions, which could result in bare areas and landscapes. Therefore, balancing weather conditions across the northern grassland result in a complex situation when addressing noxious weeds management and native plant establishment. A minor challenge could be the unwillingness of private landowners to participate with this project. However, this challenge is addressed with the State Law and County Code that allows the Weld County Weed Division staff to carry out enforcements on private property after a legal notice has been issued. This is a process that the Weld County Weed Division has proceeded with in the past and is still willing to move forward with as needed on lands with non- compliant landowners. 4. Project Team: List key individuals and describe their qualifications relevant for project implementation. Tina Booton, Weld County Weed Division Supervisor: Tina Booton has been the Weed Division Supervisor in Weld County since 2005. She holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and a Master of Agriculture with an emphasis in education; both accolades coming from Colorado State University. Over the years, Tina has worked closely with landowners, state, and federal agencies to address noxious weed infestations, while also reducing their impacts on neighboring lands. Additionally, Tina has managed several grants over this time frame to help landowners. Grant management has included the application process, reporting throughout the grant project, and overseeing that the grant was implemented according to plan. Stephanie Magnuson, USFS- Pawnee National Grassland (PNG), Rangeland Management Specialist: Stephanie Magnuson has been working in rangeland and noxious weed management since 2008. She holds a bachelor's degree in Rangeland Ecosystem, with a concentration in Restoration Ecology. Additionally, she completed and a Masters in Rangeland Ecosystem Science; both accolades coming from Colorado State University. Stephanie's MS thesis focused on seeding methods and reclamation success rates specifically located on the shortgrass steppe of Colorado where the proposed project takes place. Stephanie currently works with over 80 local ranching families on grazing strategies and noxious weed management. She has established working collaborative partnerships throughout the community to implement sound grassland natural resource management. She continues to expand the partnerships in Weld County, the State Land Board, public grazing permit holders, and surrounding private landowners to address noxious weed infestations across jurisdictional boundaries. Liz Schneider, West Greeley Conservation District, Conservation and Small Acreage Technician: Liz Schneider has been with West Greeley Conservation District since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Soil and Crop Sciences with a minor in Soil Conservation and Restoration from Colorado State University. Liz has a background of irrigated and dryland agriculture, which has driven her passion for conservation across the grassland. Liz has and continues to work with landowners that have properties of various sizes. She continues to have great working relationships with property owners in all walks of life. Liz has worked with Tina Booton on other projects within Weld County since her start with WGCD in 2015. Matt Pollart — Colorado State Land Board, North Central District Manager: Matt Pollart has served as a District Manager for the Colorado State Land Board for 13 years and manages approximately 400,000 acres of state trust land in 13 counties. Additionally, he continues to work with agricultural lessees to ensure that a high standard of stewardship is maintained on the state trust land. Part of this stewardship focuses on the control of noxious weeds and non-native plants across the rangeland. Matt managed the noxious weed budget for the organization during the early stages of his tenure. Throughout this process, he implemented cost -share programs and cooperative approaches to leverage every dollar in order to achieve the greatest output from the noxious weeds constraining budget. 5. Leverage: To better demonstrate the full scope and community involvement of this project, please describe any additional funding sources pledged or committed not previously described in the matching contributions section of this proposal. Private landowners are committed to this project to address Dalmatian toadflax and diffuse knapweed on their properties. Private dollars spent to address diffuse knapweed from 2007 through 2019 have accumulated upward of $129,667. Additionally, private funds to treat Dalmatian toadflax from 2002 through 2019 have reached up to $136,230. These landowners take Dalmatian toadflax and diffuse knapweed very seriously and are working towards the eradication efforts of these species on their own properties, whether these lands are CRP, pastures, or rangelands. This project creates a cost -share program for these private landowners. Landowners will be matching at least 20% or more of the funds that this project provides to address Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, and cheatgrass. State and Federal land managers have put in similar efforts over this same timeline to address Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle and cheatgrass on government managed rangelands. This project allows all the partners to work across boundaries and not worry about a fence line stopping proactive efforts. In 2021 the USFS Pawnee National Grassland has committed an additional $15,000 of their noxious weed control budget to address Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, Scotch thistle and cheatgrass. These dollars are in the form of equipment usage, herbicide chemicals and contracted staff time. 6. Other (Optional): Provide any further information important for the review of this proposal. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1111 H STREET PO BOX 758 GREELEY, CO 80632 PHONE (970)304-6496, Ext. 3750 FAX: (970)304-6497 WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us District 1: Mike Freeman, Chair District 2: Scott James District 3: Barbara Kirkmeyer At -Large: Kevin Ross At -Large: Steve Moreno, Pro -Tern Hello